France

Chateaux of the Loire Cycling 7 Days
Only 1 hour south of Paris lies a region that since the Renaissance has been a favorite of kings and the aristocracy; the Loire River valley is dotted with fine chateaux, vineyards, and some of the most beautiful (and gentle) cycling routes in France. This tour visits the most magnificent chateaux, the extraordinary gardens of Villandry, but also leaves time to explore the subtler aspects of a region that has much to offer.

Day 1
Arrive in Tours. Take some time to wander in the old town center, filled with 18th-century monuments, public gardens, and cafés...

Day 2
Amboise - Our area manager will meet you after breakfast and give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour. Starting from Tours, you'll ride east along a quiet road winding through vineyards to Amboise, with its impressive castle and charming village.
Leonardo da Vinci lived here and you have the opportunity to visit the museum in his former home.
Distance: 33 km.*

Day 3
Amboise - You'll cycle forested roads to Chenanceaux where you can enjoy a visit of one of the most magnificent chateau in France. Finish the day with wine tasting or alternatively, a visit to a chocolate maker with a tempting degustation selection. Distance: 35 km.*

Day 4
Veigne - The ride is quite beautiful with a morning stop at another chateau, this one owned by the Prince of Broglie. Chateau de la Bourdaisiere was built by Francois I for Marie Gaudin, one of his mistresses. Today, the chateau raison d’etre are tomato gardens and over 500 varieties can be found here. A tour of the rooms and property will reveal secrets of its colorful past. In Veigne you will stay at a former mill that has been turned into a charming hotel, with a restaurant that is outstanding. A century option on this day will offer a chance to ride to the gardens of Villandry.Distance: 42 to 100+km.*

Day 5
Chinon - Following one of the tributaries of the Loire, you'll enjoy some of the best riding in the region, stopping to visit Chateau de Sache, where the writer Balzac resided. In Azay-le-Rideau you'll visit the impressive chateau that is the 'jewel of the Loire Valley'. Distance: 52 km.*

Day 6

Chinon - On your last day of cycling there are options to cycle past popular vineyards with wine tastings along quiet cycling roads; you can also choose a longer option to Richelieu. Back in Chinon, enjoy a tour of the Chateau du Milieu in the medieval town. Distance: 40 km.*

Day 7
Departure at your leisure from Chinon Train Station.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

"This tour was pretty easy and beautiful. The routes Randonnée chooses are great - small quiet back roads. The self-guided tours are great, this was my second one. Amboise and Azay Le Rideau hotels were outstanding."